In the wake of the bushfire crisis, Suicide Prevention Australia is calling on Governments at all levels to fund a targeted mental health and trauma relief package for communities and first responders affected by the natural disaster.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray said, “As the bushfire crisis unfolds, people have been injured, properties have been destroyed and tragically lives have been lost. The trauma of this crisis will have lasting impact.
“These communities and all the first responders, particularly the firefighters need access to support services to recover from the profound impacts on their emotional wellbeing,” said Ms Murray.
The mental health and trauma relief package should include targeted counselling, suicide prevention services and follow up support.
While the causes of suicide are complex there is a lot of evidence linking trauma and suicide.
“Governments must act now to put in place protective factors to minimise any risk,” said Ms Murray.
A useful guide to support recovery from traumatic stress can be found here.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/traumatic-stress.htm
To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.
Media enquiries:
Clare Kinsella: 0427 689 689
Michaela Weston: 0403 483 023
Help to report about suicide safely is available online: Go to www.mindframe-media.info
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